BlueChoice HealthPlan Medicaid has a care management program for bipolar disorder. This program will help you better understand and manage your bipolar disorder. We can assist you to set health goals and create a care plan that fits your lifestyle. We enroll you as a member of BlueChoice Health Plan Medicaid.

Living with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder. People who have bipolar disorder may have shifts in mood, energy and activity levels and be unable to carry out day-to-day tasks. A person with bipolar disorder may go from having long periods of feeling “high” or overly happy to long periods of feeling “down,” worried or hopeless and then start over again. The “high” feeling is called mania. The “down” feeling is called depression. These feelings may make it hard to concentrate and keep close contact with friends and family.

We want you to know you can take control.

If you like, we will keep your doctor informed of your condition and the services we provide you. Your case manager can help you learn how to better manage your bipolar disorder.

In a manic episode, you may feel very happy and have a lot of energy, or you may feel like you do not need very much sleep. You may do things that are risky or dangerous. You may have other symptoms.

After a manic episode, you may start to feel more like yourself, or you may start feeling depressed.

In a depressive episode, you may have trouble thinking or making decisions. You may lose interest in things you have done in the past. You may even have thoughts about hurting yourself. You may have other symptoms.

The mood swings of bipolar disorder can be mild or severe.

The important thing to know about bipolar disorder is that it can be treated.

Family and friends play an important part in helping a person who has bipolar disorder. They will need to know as much as possible about the illness. They also can help you to take your medications the right way. To help someone with bipolar disorder, a friend or relative can:

Be patient and understanding about mood swings

Encourage the person to stay in treatment

Talk with the person and listen to what he or she has to say

Include the person in fun activities

Remind the person that getting better is possible with the right treatment

Never ignore comments about suicide and let the person’s therapist or doctor know right away

You can help yourself by getting treatment and sticking with it. It takes time, and it's not easy. But treatment is the best way to start feeling better. Here are a few things you can do to help with your treatment:

Talk to your doctor about your treatment.

Do mild activity or exercise. Go to a movie, a ballgame or another event or activity that you once enjoyed. Take part in religious, social or other activities.

Set goals for yourself that are reachable.

Stay on your medication.

Try to spend time with other people. Talk to a trusted friend or relative. Try not to be alone. Let others help you.

Your symptoms will improve over time, not right away. Do not expect to feel better right away.

Learn to recognize your mood swings.

Keep a daily routine. Eat a healthy diet and sleep at regular times. Make sure you get enough sleep.

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